Johannesburg

Ohr Somayach has been a powerful presence in South Africa for almost two decades.
Since 1980, when it conducted a seminar by invitation of the Zionist Federation, Ohr
Somayach has maintained a strong presence in South Africa. Since then, it has won
recognition as the most dynamic Jewish student organization. Initially, "task forces" of
Ohr Somayach-Jerusalem staff and students traveled to Johannesburg to organize
seminars and lecture tours for the Jewish day schools and university students.

In 1987, Ohr Somayach purchased property and established a center in the northern
suburbs of Johannesburg. Since then, the Ohr Somayach Community has expanded into
four synagogues and a major learning center serving thousands of people in
Johannesburg, in Cape Town, and other communities.

Ohr Somayach of South Africa offers lectures, seminars, Shabbat weekends, a full time
learning program, publications and tours to Israel. The establishment of a new Beit
Medrash - study hall in 1990, was to facilitate the increased attendance at programs and
to better accommodate the growing Ohr Somayach community. The establishment of a
Beit Medrash in 1990, and a Kolel in 1996, added new dimensions to the study programs,
preparing students for learning in Israel and providing for the needs of those returning from
Israel.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu